circulating medium

American  

noun

1. any coin or note passing, without endorsement, as a medium of exchange.

2. such coins or notes collectively.

---

circulating medium British  

noun

1. finance currency serving as a medium of exchange

---

Etymology

Origin of circulating medium

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

circulating medium

It was this picture that gave occasion for one of John Van Buren's noted sayings that were once a circulating medium in the lawyers' offices of New York.

From Caricature and Other Comic Art in all Times and many Lands. by Parton, James

The history of all commercial countries shows that the precious metals can constitute but a small part of this circulating medium.

From The Works of Daniel Webster, Volume 1 by Webster, Daniel

These coupons were of no value as a circulating medium, and consequently would deprive the State of all means of carrying on the government if they were successful.

From Life Gleanings by Macon, T. J.

They pictured forth the lamentable results that would follow its passage, and the direful consequences that would ensue from an increase of the circulating medium of the country.

From Money: Speech of Hon. John P. Jones, of Nevada, On the Free Coinage of Silver; in the United States Senate, May 12 and 13, 1890 by Jones, John P. (John Percival)

In the language of commerce "money" has two meanings: currency, or the circulating medium; and capital seeking investment, especially investment on loan.

From A System of Logic: Ratiocinative and Inductive 7th Edition, Vol. II by Mill, John Stuart